Soot gets the boot at Seawork

PureGen is the first ever compact soot cleaner for marine generators and is a visionary product, as global marine emission regulations are likely to become increasingly stringent in 2016. In the meantime, it is becoming essential for all new and existing vessels to implement clear solutions to the ongoing problem of pollution, particularly from generators running while a vessel is at anchor.

All boat generators emit soot, which will emerge from the exhaust outlet as unsightly and smelly smoke. The remaining soot will be ‘scrubbed’ from the exhaust gas by the exhaust system’s water separator, and washed into the surrounding water. The soot floats, and will leave a sheen on the water’s surface. PureGen resolves this by removing the soot from a generator’s exhaust outlet, and from the cooling water flowing from the exhaust gas water separator.

PureGen is a compact unit intended for generators from 40kW to 500kW. It has been designed using an exhaust gas heater and catalytically coated ceramic filter, and fits into the marine exhaust system immediately downstream from the generator.

The PureGen unit is smaller and lighter than any competing product. It measures just 1.25m long by 300mm in diameter, weighs less than 50kg for a typical 100kW system, and is uncomplicated to use. The unit’s electric pre-heater takes the exhaust gas up to the required temperature, before it passes into the ceramic filter. PureGen’s honeycomb construction creates an enormous surface area so the exhaust gas can pass through with minimal back pressure. Simultaneously the catalyst and the exhaust gas temperature ensure the destruction of all soot particles.

The pre-heater has the added advantage that it can be run either for ten minutes in any hour, or used continuously to provide a low level loadbank for the generator. PureGen will automatically cut out when the generator full load is required.

Once installed, PureGen is easy to maintain. The ceramic filter needs no attention, beyond reversing at agreed intervals. The filter is continually cleaned by the burning process, ensuring that its efficiency remains at a constant level, with occasional servicing at very high temperatures.

PureGen recently received a Special Mention at the 2010 DAME Awards, and will be on display throughout the duration of the Seawork show.